Vehicle recall 08V645000 · December 9, 2008

2008-2009 Subaru Tribeca

The vehicle dynamic control (vdc) g-sensor was improperly installed.

Source: NHTSA data as of September 22, 2026. Last refreshed Sep 23, 2026, 2:43 AM UTC.

Summary: Subaru is recalling 5,130 my 2008-2009 tribeca passenger vehicles. The vehicle dynamic control (vdc) g-sensor was improperly installed. This sensor is designed to be mounted in a forward facing direction but may have been installed backwards during production.
Consequence: If the sensor was improperly installed, vehicle handling characteristics during hard braking, sudden turns or other quick maneuvers could cause the vehicle to react in an unexpected manner or result in unstable handling. Under extreme conditions, the driver could lose control of the vehicle and a crash could occur.
Remedy: Dealers will inspect the position of the vdc g-sensor. If the sensor is found to be installed correctly, no further action is needed. If the sensor is found to be installed incorrectly (backwards), the sensor will be removed and reinstalled in the correct position. The vdc system will also be reprogrammed to ensure proper operation. The recallbegan on December 19, 2008. Owners may contact Subaru at 1-800-782-2783.
Notes: Subaru recall no. Wvg-17.CUSTOMERS may also contact the national highway traffic safety administration's vehicle safety hotline at 1-888-327-4236 (TTY 1-800-424-9153), or go to http://www.safercar.gov.

Recall details

NHTSA campaign: 08V645000
Reported to NHTSA: December 9, 2008
Filed by: SUBARU OF AMERICA, INC.
Manufacturer campaign: WVG-17
Owner notification: December 19, 2008
Vehicles potentially affected: 5,130
Initiated by: the manufacturer
Components: Electronic stability control (ESC)

Recall 08V645000 on nhtsa.gov, with the manufacturer’s documents

Vehicles covered

As listed by NHTSA. A recall usually covers only some vehicles of each model and year, often a production date range.

Subaru Tribeca (2008-2009): 2009, 2008

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